Bronze Class

Dogs over a year old usually start in the bronze class, from where they progress to silver, gold and open.

Bronze class starts at 8.15pm on Wednesday each week and lasts about an hour.

There is no need to sign up to a set number of classes and there is no distinct starting week - just bring the dog along.

Booking-in is not necessary, just bring the dog along.

The first week is free, a taster. Come along, try it, and if you don’t like it walk away, otherwise join on your next visit.

There is a weekly fee of £3 per dog per class, and an annual membership fee of £15. (It’s half-price for handlers aged under 16, or 65 or more.)

The Kennel Club Bronze award aims to produce a dog that will walk and sit in a controlled manner on the lead, will lie down on command, will allow its owner to clean and groom it and inspect it. The dog must also be able to be positioned by its owner for examination i.e. stand, sit, and lie down on either side or on its back, all on a lead. Finally the dog must come to hand when called.

Cleanliness and Identification. Each handler must carry with them some form of "poop scoop" and all dogs must wear a collar and identification tag.

Collar and lead. Put on collar and lead.

Walk on lead. Walk on lead without distraction.

Control at Door/Gate. Walk on lead through Door/Gate.

Controlled walk through people and dogs. Walk on lead passing people and dogs. Behave in controlled manner whilst owner holds a conversation for one minute.

Stay down on lead. Lie down and stay on command, on lead.

Grooming the dog. Groom and inspect to maintain health.

Present for examination. Present for examination, on lead, including mouth, teeth, throat, eyes, ears and feet.

Return to the handler. Release from lead, play with or without toy, or in some other way distance themselves from their dog, recall and attach lead.

Responsibility and care. The object is to test the knowledge of the handler on this subject.